Microsoft, PLDT, STI sign MOA on e-learning

Microsoft Corp., the Philippine Long Distance Co. (PLDT) and learning center STI have signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to jointly undertake an e-learning project in the Philippines.

The MOA was signed Oct. 19 at the Marriot Hotel, People’s Republic of China with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Microsoft chief executive Bill Gates witnessing the event.

PLDT president Manuel Pangilinan, Microsoft country manager Richard Francis and STI chairman Eusebio Tangco signed the accord for their respective companies.

Microsoft will provide the operating systems while PLDT will provide the electronic infrastructure. STI will provide the educational content of the e-learning project.

Government officials said millions of dollars would be involved although they did not give the exact figure. "We were inhibited by the parties involved especially Microsoft which is listed in several stock exchanges and they are barred from making public disclosures."

The same government sources said STI is investing "a few millions of pesos" to acquire hardware and software including projection equipment. The personal computer (PC) market is depressed and prices are dropping, thus it is the best time to make such acquisitions.

By the first quarter of next year, all the systems should be in place. And by the start of the next school year, e-learning would be operational.

The e-learning project will initially involve only STI education centers and their branches or outlets. In the long term, it is hoped to branch out to other learning institutions including the public school system.

"The higher the technological literacy rate of the OFWs, the greater their opportunities not only in finding markets overseas, but also their opportunities in terms of job choices."

Trade officials said that it is to the advantage of Microsoft to join such activities. Asia is notorious for producing pirated copies of Microsoft software and systems, and going directly to its governments allow for "some amount of protection and cooperation."